Otley Courthouse is a unique arts and resource centre, created and run by local people, in Otley, West Yorkshire. The old magistrates court has been transformed into a fully accessible centre for people of all ages. There’s a lively evening events programme with great films, theatre, music, dance and cabaret. You can drop into the community cafe; visit the old cell; join a workshop (lots for all ages) use our free computer room and internet access or enjoy our popular monthly craft fair and visual arts exhibitions.
We’re open 6 days a week Mon-Sat from 10am-4pm with events most Fridays and Saturday evenings. Everyone is welcome. Stay for a few minutes or all day!
How about hiring one of our attractive, well equipped rooms for a meeting, community event or a party?
Our Summer Programme is out now.
With the Summer holidays almost upon us don’t miss our great Holiday workshops for the kids.
Did you know that Otley Courthouse has helped create Otley Junior Orchestra, the Courthouse Choir, Otley Chamber Orchestra, Saturday Art Stars, Otley Science Festival, the 20/20 Science Cafe and Cafe Politique; is home to The Otley Film Society, Otley Community Players, Otley Youth Theatre, Otley Brass Band, Wharfe Brass, Performance Drama School, Cabaret Heaven; runs Holiday workshops for children; has a full entertainment programme of Music, Dance and Drama and has showcased acts such as Lau, Warsaw Village Band, New Model Army, Peatbog Faeries, Hugh Cornwell, Moishe’s Bagel, John Etheridge, Koshka and Blazin’ Fiddles to name but a few.
“…without doubt one of the best venues in Yorkshire for traditional music” Wharfedale Observer
Upcoming highlights
View all of our events and Book tickets online here.
Download our Summer 2009 Programme here.
Young People’s ‘Schools Out’ Night Club
presented by Ilkley Literature Festival and Otley Courthouse
Friday 3rd July at 7.30pm
Tickets £5
12–16 year olds only!!
Another brilliant night for younger teenagers – young bands, disco, young comedians, surprises, juice bar. Dress up, come with your friends and dance the night away.
Hunting the Giant’s Daughter
presented by Adverse Camber
Saturday 4th July at 7.30pm
Ticket: £8/£6 in advance, £9/£7 on the door.
Hunting the Giant’s Daughter is based on the oldest surviving Arthurian legend from The Mabinogion. A young man, Culhwch, is destined to fall instantly in love with Olwen - a woman who no body knows how to find! The seemingly impossible odds draw King Arthur and his knights into the magical quest to find her, filled with tests and challenges, giants and adventures. The stakes are raised and the tension mounts as Culhwch, having already proved his strength and skill, faces a lengthening list of increasingly difficult and dangerous tasks if he is ever to claim the hand of the woman he loves. Internationally renowned storyteller Michael Harvey weaves Welsh poetry into an imaginative telling of the tale, around a delicious mix of traditional Welsh and jazz influenced music created by Stacey Blythe (accordion, piano, harp) and singer Lynne Denman.
An evening to savour, offering an intoxicating mix of lively storytelling and music.
Suitable for adults and children aged 12+
Measure for Measure
presented by Otley Community Players
Thursday 9th July to Saturday 11th July at 7.30pm
Tickets: £8 / £5
One of Shakespeare’s most unusual comedies – a dark tale of power, politics and corruption set in a world of drunken debauchery. Directed by Kath Bond.
www.otleyplayers.co.uk
Otley Baby Fair
Saturday 19th July - 10am to 4pm
FREE entry
The 3rd Otley Baby Fair to be hosted at the Courthouse will feature a range of pregnancy, baby and toddler related businesses. New for this year Insight Medical Ultrasound will offer mums-to-be the opportunity to watch their baby through a 4D scan. Other businesses showcased include a local photographer, children’s cake maker, and children’s clothing and toy stockists. There will also be a selection of mother and child activity providers and a nearly new equipment sale making this a must attend event for growing families in the area.
Admission is free and our child friendly cafe will be open to provide drinks and snacks, and there will be with raffles, face painting and craft sessions throughout the day.
All enquiries please contact Rachel on 07717 607301 or at easysqueezybaby@yahoo.co.uk
